Swindon down to the final nine in UK City of Culture 2029 bid

The longlisting recognises the strength of Swindon’s cultural vision and the collaboration between local partners, artists, organisations and residents who have come together to create and support the bid.

A partnership between Swindon Culture Collective, and Swindon Borough Council, the bid highlights the town’s thriving cultural scene, from grassroots arts groups and independent artist to nationally-recognised festivals and organisations.

Being longlisted means Swindon will receive a £60,000 development grant to help prepare a full bid submission, which must be completed by summer 2026. A shortlist will then be announced later in the year before the final winner is confirmed in winter 2026.

Swindon already hosts a growing programme of cultural activity throughout the year, including Swindon MELA, Swindon Paint Fest, Swindon Festival of Literature, Signal Festival, the Festival of Tomorrow and Shuffle, alongside venues and organisations such as Create Studios, Prime Theatre, Swindon Dance and Tangle Theatre.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “Being longlisted for UK City of Culture is an extraordinary moment for Swindon. It recognises the imagination, talent and determination that have always defined our town. This achievement belongs to every artist, volunteer, young producer, community group and cultural organisation that has poured their energy into telling Swindon’s story.

“We’re a place built by thinkers, makers and innovators and today’s news shows that the rest of the country is beginning to see what we’ve known all along. Longlisting gives us a powerful platform to showcase our heritage, our ambition and our belief in Swindon as a cultural powerhouse.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together and I’m excited to hear if we get shortlisted.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Robbins said, “Reaching the final nine in the competition is a fantastic achievement for Swindon and a testament to the passion and creativity of communities in the borough.

“We know Swindon has an incredible story to tell, from our rich heritage to our vibrant and growing cultural scene. Being longlisted gives us the opportunity to share that story on a national stage and create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

“I want to thank everyone who has played a part so far and wish all other bids good luck in the next stage of the competition.”

Louise Halliday, Swindon Culture Collective, said: “In the last few years, we’ve seen the arts and cultural sector in Swindon come together like never before, building collaborations and working together with a shared confidence and ambition. That’s what has made this change possible.

“Being longlisted for UK City of Culture will allow us to build even faster, involving more communities, organisations and people right across the borough of Swindon, harnessing all the creativity, inspiration and ideas we can. It’s by genuinely involving every corner of the Town that we’ll make this bid bold, strong and visionary and fully representative of the whole of Swindon.”